Pyrgotidae

Loew, 1868

Scarab Pursuing Flies, Pyrgotid Flies

Genus Guides

5

is a of endoparasitoid flies within the superfamily Tephritoidea. Unusual among , they lack ocelli entirely—one of only two families with this trait. Most display patterned wings with bands or spots. Females pursue scarab beetles in to deposit beneath the , where larvae develop internally and eventually kill the . The family has a worldwide distribution with approximately 67 species in Australia alone and 59 species in 13 in the Neotropics.

Boreothrinax shewelli by no rights reserved, uploaded by Robbie Hannawacker. Used under a CC0 license.Boreothrinax shewelli by no rights reserved, uploaded by Ben Keen. Used under a CC0 license.Boreothrinax shewelli by no rights reserved, uploaded by Robbie Hannawacker. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pyrgotidae: //pɪərˈɡɒtɪˌdiː//

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Identification

Distinguished from other Tephritoidea by the complete absence of ocelli. Most have patterned wings with bands or spots, earning them the "picture-winged" flies. The is further distinguished by their endoparasitoid lifestyle, which is unique among tephritoid flies.

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Distribution

Worldwide distribution. Documented from Australia (67 in 18 ), Chile (3 species in 2 genera), Colombia (first record of Pyrgota longipes), Uruguay (Leptopyrgota albitarsis), and the United States (genera Pyrgota and Sphecomyiella common in areas with abundant beetles). Neotropical fauna comprises 59 species in 13 genera.

Seasonality

Primarily . Activity coincides with abundance and seasonal conditions suitable for scarab beetles.

Host Associations

Life Cycle

Females pursue scarab beetles in and lay a single on the 's back under the where it cannot be reached. The egg hatches and the larva enters the body cavity, feeding internally and eventually killing the before pupating.

Behavior

Females actively pursue beetles in to oviposit. Primarily and frequently attracted to artificial lights. Mating pairs have been observed engaging in prolonged mouthpart contact described as "French kissing" .

Ecological Role

agent of scarab beetle . As specialized endoparasitoids, they help regulate scarab beetle abundance in where both occur.

Human Relevance

Some can be locally common in agricultural or residential areas where their beetles (such as Phyllophaga) are abundant. Their attraction to artificial lights makes them noticeable to humans in such settings.

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